Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Recently purchased two units for parallel purposes. After unboxing first unit, opened gas cap, noticed a strong gasoline smell. Thought the unit may be run tested or something similar, still seemed rather odd that residual gasoline would be left in a unit prior to shipment... Took off side panel to look at oil, unit did have some residual oil left, however; this was very clear oil, so I figured it may be a non-issue. Figured they may be run tested at the factory. Second unit had no such gasoline smell and had nearly no residual oil leaving me to doubt my previous assumptions. While I haven't run tested either at this time, I do have a bit of apprehension about receiving a unit with residual gasoline, barring any safety/shipping concerns, the chance of problems down the line related to gasoline evaporation/deposition is troublesome (Carb failure due to residual gas is major source of failure for all carborated generators). Given that these units do not have hour counters, I am unable to tell if the unit I received was returned, the only saving grace being the aforementioned very clear residual oil Upon running the units I will update my review based on performance. Initial Performance update: 5/28/2016 Oil - 10w30 Pennzoil Platinum Synthetic, 1 quart = about 3 generator fills so cost is negligible Aftermarket Yamaha magnetic dipstick installed http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017CXO7AQ?psc=1 Wen parallel kit http://www.amazon.com/WEN-56421-Parallel-Connection-Generators/dp/B0144O1808?psc=1 L5-30P to 2 5-20R Y cable (wanted for full 20 amp down 25 foot 12 gauge extension cord) First unit started was the one with the gas smell, followed instructions, started up second pull. Followed same instructions for second unit, started right up, though there was a significantly different burning smell with the second unit for awhile after start up. Seemed to dissipate (I'm guessing that is new generator smell burning off assorted residual chemicals in motor, which supports the first unit having being ran at some point prior in its existence). Should note that start up pull is very, very light. Both units stabilized, checked outlets with a box fan, no problems. ECO mode is extremely quiet, but even at full speed, it isn't very loud. Shut em' down, installed the parallel kit (took it apart before hand, simple parallel junction box with no internal breakers). Should note that once the engine has been started and gas has been circulated, don't use the choke per instructions, good way to flood the engine. Started first generator, let it stabilize, started second generator, let it stabilize, checked parallel kit with a box fan, had juice. Ran extension cord to room I would power in a an outage, hooked up a 15,000 BTU 120 volt AC (LG Brand). AC started, compressor kicked on, generators powered through. Standing by the generator, you could hear them buck a bit when the AC started, but it responded quickly. Ran a few other odds and ends without issue which would suffice in an extended power outage. Didn't play around with ECO boost and the AC connected, worked great with power tools though. After running AC for about 2 hours (88 F outside), I shut the units down and looked at the magnetic dip stick. Dark metal fines on the dipstick. I believe this is the black dirt that most folks were seeing in the first oil changes. Cleaned the dipstick, put back in, ran for an hour, cleaned dipstick, repeat. The oil itself was immaculate, dark material was all magnetic. Ran fuel out of generator (started with half tank). Will likely change oil after next run assuming dipstick doesn't show clear. Not worried about this issue, this is a known problem for high end Yamaha's as well (hence the aftermarket magnetic dipstick). Overall I am impressed with the generators (assuming initial burning smell on one unit and residual gasoline in the unit's tank aren't red flags, 2 stars off for that for the time being). Lot of clean power and flexibility for the Money. Power outage performance update: 6-13-2016 Lighting struck near home during electrical storm, lost power. Ran generators in parallel, in ECO mode with the following: 15000 btu window unit, Full size refrigerator, 60 watt lamp, Computer speakers, 2 phone chargers and a tablet. Made a parallel extended run system that can use any generic 5 gallon fuel jug. They did shutter a bit when the AC compressor kicked on, but powered through. I give em' 5 stars now.